Dragonsong: A Fable for the New Millennium - Hardcover

Russell Young

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1885008120 ISBN 13: 9781885008121

Publisher: Lee & Low Books, 2000

Synopsis

As Chiang-An, a small Chinese dragon, travels the world in search of a special enduring gift for his village, he meets four other dragons, each of whom gives him a song, an unusual gift, and words of wisdom.

About this title

About the Author

Russell Young is a professor of multicultural education and Asian studies. He has lived in Hawaii, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This is his first story published in America. The name for Chiang-An, the young dragon in this story, came from the Chinese name of his two sons. He currently lives with his wife, Liling, and sons, Christopher and Brandon, in Del Mar, California. Civi Cheng is a native of Taiwan. His art studio specializes in commercial designs. This is his first children's book and all the illustrations are computer rendered. It is his hope that this book will be treasured by all just as Chiang-An's gift was treasured by his beloved villagers. He lives with his wife, Jane, in Taipei, Taiwan.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-Dragon lovers will enjoy this original tale of a young dragon's quest to find the most precious gift for his homeland. Chiang-An lives in a tiny, unnamed village in southeast China. The people are poor but hardworking, and Chiang-An loves them and their lovely mountain. One day the village is visited by four Imperial dragons who announce that, to celebrate the new millennium and the Year of the Dragon, there will be a contest to see which serpent can find the richest gift for the village and become the Keeper of the Mountain. Chiang-An embarks upon a journey and meets an English, African, Iroquois, and Mexican dragon, each of which offers him a gift and a song from its culture. Chiang-An returns with the gift of hope for his village and the most beautiful "-song of honor and justice-of power, inspiration, and great beauty." The lush, computer-generated illustrations are richly colored and full of character with an interesting combination of effects from watercolor to photographic realism. Though the story is cumbersome and didactic, teachers may find it useful for Chinese New Year units.
Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1885008120
• ISBN 13: 9781885008121
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Civi Cheng